NORTHFIELD, Ohio — We all know Northeast Ohio's food scene is unparalleled. Now, a local baker has swiveled the spotlight on our region with her victory on Food Network's "Christmas Cookie Challenge."
Leslie Srodek-Johnson, of Stan's Northfield Bakery, won her episode of the hit holiday show, which aired Monday night. It's scheduled to air again Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.
Leslie took the top prize and won the judges over with her adorable Santa beard cookies, which you can now sample at the bakery.
"I know my grandparents were watching me from Heaven and guiding me through this journey," Leslie wrote in a post to the bakery's Facebook page. "This is AWESOME! I cannot believe how many people that I have met through the years and that have moved all over the country… Came together tonight to watch the show about the little blonde girl from the hometown bakery. I am still crying... good tears!"
The bakery is celebrating Leslie's victory Tuesday until 3:30 p.m. Guests can try one of Leslie's now famous cookies and snag an "I did it all for the cookies" t-shirt.